In an effort to alleviate the devastating effects of smoking and comply with the law, the Fremont Police Department implemented a comprehensive program enforcing tobacco control laws in the city with help from an enforcement grant from the Department of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section.

On April 16, 2011; May 1, 2011; June 4, 2011; and June 11, 2011, officers from the Fremont Police Department conducted additional Youth Decoy Operations. A total of (226) purchase attempts were made on these dates. There were (15) incidents in which merchants illegally sold cigarettes to minors, ages 15 to 17. The officers witnessing these transactions issued citations in all (15) cases. The overall sales rate of selling tobacco products to a minor was 6.6%. The sale of tobacco products to a minor (under 18) is a misdemeanor, which carries a penalty up to a $1000 fine, depending on prior offenses.

Officers of the Fremont Police Department will continue to conduct these activities. For more information or to report a violation, please contact Sergeant Mark Dang at (510) 790-6800, ext 11134, or email at mdang@fremont.gov.